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Post by tkaitkai on Apr 16, 2021 16:36:46 GMT -6
Kidding. I love it here. But man... you guys give me gear lust like it's nobody's business. Prior to joining RGO, I was 150% happy with my M149. But I think I'm finally at the point where I want to get a nice U47 or 251-ish mic (probably between a Heisermann, Wunder, or an Upton). I'm leaning towards a 251, but I do want to get your thoughts. To be clear, there's nothing wrong with my M149. It is absolutely the best vocal mic I've ever had the pleasure of owning. But my tastes have changed a bit recently, and I'm wanting something a little different. In general, I'm finding it just a tad too "polite," if that makes sense. A third option would be to keep the Neumann and try another mic pre + compressor, or maybe keep the Neumann and buy a cheaper 251 clone (i.e. GAP or Warm). So what do you think? 47 or 251? Here's some audio for context (none of these are my own songs, just stuff I was hired to sing on): https%3A//soundcloud.com/tkaitkai/m149-solo-2https%3A//soundcloud.com/tkaitkai/m149-all-vox
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Apr 16, 2021 16:47:45 GMT -6
Hmm what about keep it and try an Audioscape v comp ?
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Post by tkaitkai on Apr 16, 2021 17:03:43 GMT -6
Hmm what about keep it and try an Audioscape v comp ? I've actually been eyeballing that one for a while... it's on my list for sure. If I keep the Neumann and swap the mic pre/compressor, the V Comp will definitely be an option.
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Post by audioscape on Apr 16, 2021 17:45:29 GMT -6
Hmm what about keep it and try an Audioscape v comp ? I've actually been eyeballing that one for a while... it's on my list for sure. If I keep the Neumann and swap the mic pre/compressor, the V Comp will definitely be an option. DUDE! First off, let me say, I LOVE your voice! In the first clip I listened to, I thought "man.... his tone and timbre reminds me of a vocalist I love... Then I played the second clip and screamed to myself "MAYNARD!!!". Your voice is AMAZINGGGG!!! I've got some music I'd LOVE to hear your voice on, actually! Hahaha ANYHOW! My two cents would be to KEEP the M149 - NOW, I know you feel it's a bit too 'polite' but I'm going to say that your current mic preamp and tracking compressor (if you use one) is where you can manipulate how polite or RUDE you want your voice to sound. What mic pre are you currently using? Once I know that I'd recommend a few different preamps BUT, being honest (as always); judging by your clips, your mic pre also sounds great. This leaves the last variable: analog compressor! For YOUR VOICE, I'm leaning HEAVILY towards our V-COMP - you can achieve anything from mega-compressed, in your face vocals with near ZERO nasty pumping or artifact-y side-effects (using slower recovery times and Single or Double Mode) all the way to saturated, growly, RUDE vocals using DOUBLE (MAYBEEE Triple) Mode and any of the 3 fastest recovery times. You can also use the V-COMP as a straight tube & transformer laden saturation monster by using the "OFF" mode - which can be incredibly fun and absolutely satisfying. The OPTO COMP would yield you slightly more "elegance" and more apparent compression (sonically) but tougher to make sound RUDE. V-COMP. DO IT. 😜❤🙏
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kcatthedog
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Post by kcatthedog on Apr 16, 2021 17:55:28 GMT -6
Not that I work for AS , but remember it has a no questions asked return policy : 2 months ?, so you could buy and really try, and if it wasn’t floating your boat, return and then do the new mike thing?
Nice to have options ?
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Post by Martin John Butler on Apr 16, 2021 17:59:58 GMT -6
I thought the only problem with those tracks was the compressor. Then I read Audioscape's comments, ha!
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Post by chessparov on Apr 16, 2021 18:21:13 GMT -6
The links don't work on my Android phone, but I can listen later, on my Chromebook. I already expect the vocals to sound great-I've heard your voice before. ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) But if you love your mic, keep it! Only add on, as you see fit. An AS Compressor will only showcase your voice more! ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png) Chris
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Post by Ward on Apr 16, 2021 18:28:46 GMT -6
Can we hear the vocal without any tuning or as much compressing?
Clearly, you have a fucking awesome voice... now I just want to hear the voice by itself please.
Pretty please.
Pretty please with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top?
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Post by chessparov on Apr 16, 2021 19:51:51 GMT -6
Hey Ward, on the second clip "them kids" dig that new fangled AutoTune. Yep. It'd be cool to hear that terrific voice, with nuth'n on it. I understand for that intended/specific Production, intending it. ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) Chris
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Post by tkaitkai on Apr 16, 2021 20:45:54 GMT -6
I've actually been eyeballing that one for a while... it's on my list for sure. If I keep the Neumann and swap the mic pre/compressor, the V Comp will definitely be an option. DUDE! First off, let me say, I LOVE your voice! In the first clip I listened to, I thought "man.... his tone and timbre reminds me of a vocalist I love... Then I played the second clip and screamed to myself "MAYNARD!!!". Your voice is AMAZINGGGG!!! I've got some music I'd LOVE to hear your voice on, actually! Hahaha ANYHOW! My two cents would be to KEEP the M149 - NOW, I know you feel it's a bit too 'polite' but I'm going to say that your current mic preamp and tracking compressor (if you use one) is where you can manipulate how polite or RUDE you want your voice to sound. What mic pre are you currently using? Once I know that I'd recommend a few different preamps BUT, being honest (as always); judging by your clips, your mic pre also sounds great. This leaves the last variable: analog compressor! For YOUR VOICE, I'm leaning HEAVILY towards our V-COMP - you can achieve anything from mega-compressed, in your face vocals with near ZERO nasty pumping or artifact-y side-effects (using slower recovery times and Single or Double Mode) all the way to saturated, growly, RUDE vocals using DOUBLE (MAYBEEE Triple) Mode and any of the 3 fastest recovery times. You can also use the V-COMP as a straight tube & transformer laden saturation monster by using the "OFF" mode - which can be incredibly fun and absolutely satisfying. The OPTO COMP would yield you slightly more "elegance" and more apparent compression (sonically) but tougher to make sound RUDE. V-COMP. DO IT. 😜❤🙏 Dude thanks so much for the kind words! I’ve never gotten a Maynard comparison before — that’s so awesome and humbling to hear. I’ve been dying to get my hands on some AS gear and this may very well be the post that pushes me to actually do it. Current signal chain is: M149 - Wunder PEQ2R - Grace M102 - Lynx Aurora 8 I love the Grace, but man... I would swap it for a V Comp in a heartbeat. I’d also love to check out that music you mentioned! You guys are based out of Daytona right? I’m over in Orlando so not too far. I’m always very down to work on new stuff. Feel free to PM me! 😎 This thread is making me want a rack full of AS gear AND a 251. Ugh!
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Post by tkaitkai on Apr 16, 2021 20:55:54 GMT -6
Can we hear the vocal without any tuning or as much compressing? Clearly, you have a fucking awesome voice... now I just want to hear the voice by itself please. Pretty please. Pretty please with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top? Hey Ward, thanks for checking it out! Tuning and heavy compression are my personal preference (mostly doing modern pop/rock/indie) but I will definitely admit my Grace M102 isn’t the greatest tool for the job. I’m very guilty of pushing it past where any sensible person would leave it. I love how clean it is, but it kinda sucks for serious leveling... but I still try anyway!
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Post by chessparov on Apr 16, 2021 21:59:04 GMT -6
Serious Rock Tenor vibe thing going on, with your voice. Do you ever sing any Classic Rock? Chris
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Post by tkaitkai on Apr 16, 2021 22:46:37 GMT -6
Serious Rock Tenor vibe thing going on, with your voice. Do you ever sing any Classic Rock? Chris Thanks Chris! My classic rock knowledge is embarrassingly limited. I don’t really sing classic songs much as I wouldn’t want to do them a disservice. I’ve been getting into it more as I get older, though. Not exactly classic rock, but Pink Moon is a personal favorite, and I’ve also really been digging Boston lately.
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Post by bricejchandler on Apr 17, 2021 3:42:48 GMT -6
I think the M149 sounds very cool and your voice is great. If I were to get something else I would definitely lean towards something 251 ish, I don't see a 47 working really well, particularly if you're going to be stacking a lot!
I agree the compression is pretty heavy handed here, I could see something like a 1176 really working here.
One other thing, have you tried like a salt shaker mic or sm57 into overdriven preamp? A producer I interned with used to do that all the time. U87 with FX mic next to it, capsules aligned for rock/indie/metal vocals and it's a little trick I've used ever since. Great for that little extra edge to cut through guitars.
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Post by Ward on Apr 17, 2021 9:00:40 GMT -6
Can we hear the vocal without any tuning or as much compressing? Clearly, you have a fucking awesome voice... now I just want to hear the voice by itself please. Pretty please. Pretty please with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top? Hey Ward, thanks for checking it out! Tuning and heavy compression are my personal preference (mostly doing modern pop/rock/indie) but I will definitely admit my Grace M102 isn’t the greatest tool for the job. I’m very guilty of pushing it past where any sensible person would leave it. I love how clean it is, but it kinda sucks for serious leveling... but I still try anyway! oh do your thing cos you do it well . . . I just want to hear it raw and naked before I would make a vocal mic recommendation, that's all
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Post by christopher on Apr 17, 2021 15:03:14 GMT -6
If clients ever sent me tracks this usable, I think I would just stare at the computer for 6 hours just so I know they are getting their money’s worth.
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Post by tkaitkai on Apr 17, 2021 21:52:15 GMT -6
I think the M149 sounds very cool and your voice is great. If I were to get something else I would definitely lean towards something 251 ish, I don't see a 47 working really well, particularly if you're going to be stacking a lot! I agree the compression is pretty heavy handed here, I could see something like a 1176 really working here. One other thing, have you tried like a salt shaker mic or sm57 into overdriven preamp? A producer I interned with used to do that all the time. U87 with FX mic next to it, capsules aligned for rock/indie/metal vocals and it's a little trick I've used ever since. Great for that little extra edge to cut through guitars. Thanks for the compliments Brice! The FX mic is a GREAT suggestion — I've definitely read about other people doing that, I don't know why it's never occurred to me to try it out. I wish I could use an 1176, but they never seem to play well with my setup. ![:(](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/sad.png) I've tried several and they always get too gritty/distorted for my taste. I think it's something about the frequency content of my voice + mic that pushes them in a weird/unflattering way. I'd be really curious to try a 251 + 1176, though. oh do your thing cos you do it well . . . I just want to hear it raw and naked before I would make a vocal mic recommendation, that's all I'll see if I can dig up an untuned vocal that doesn't absolutely suck, lol! Melodyne is seriously my best friend. If clients ever sent me tracks this usable, I think I would just stare at the computer for 6 hours just so I know they are getting their money’s worth. Hah! It's funny — if I had this exact setup years ago, I would have been over the moon about it. But now that I finally have what I was chasing after for so long, I want something else. Go figure. ![::)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/eyesroll.png)
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Post by johneppstein on Apr 18, 2021 1:19:37 GMT -6
Kidding. I love it here. But man... you guys give me gear lust like it's nobody's business. Prior to joining RGO, I was 150% happy with my M149. But I think I'm finally at the point where I want to get a nice U47 or 251-ish mic (probably between a Heisermann, Wunder, or an Upton). I'm leaning towards a 251, but I do want to get your thoughts. To be clear, there's nothing wrong with my M149. It is absolutely the best vocal mic I've ever had the pleasure of owning. But my tastes have changed a bit recently, and I'm wanting something a little different. In general, I'm finding it just a tad too "polite," if that makes sense. A third option would be to keep the Neumann and try another mic pre + compressor, or maybe keep the Neumann and buy a cheaper 251 clone (i.e. GAP or Warm). So what do you think? 47 or 251? Here's some audio for context (none of these are my own songs, just stuff I was hired to sing on):
What do you mean by "Keep the Neumann"? OF COURSE you keep the Neumann. Various mics excell at various things. You build up a mic closet by always buying quality and never selling.
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Post by chessparov on Apr 18, 2021 5:58:01 GMT -6
Even the Seinfeld show, kept the Neumann... Chris
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Post by Vincent R. on Apr 18, 2021 10:02:52 GMT -6
If you want to hear what the V comp does, send me a raw file and I’ll run it through mine and send it back.
As for mics, I might look at a 251 and hear what that does. I really like what the M149 is doing for your vocals here. The U47 might be too big, unless it’s a ballad without a ton of layers. Or a U47 lead vocal with the M149 on the layers.
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Post by ab101 on Apr 18, 2021 10:36:36 GMT -6
Even the Seinfeld show, kept the Neumann... Chris Did they think it was a mic about nothing? ![:)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/smiley.png)
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Post by ab101 on Apr 18, 2021 10:40:03 GMT -6
If you want to hear what the V comp does, send me a raw file and I’ll run it through mine and send it back. As for mics, I might look at a 251 and hear what that does. I really like what the M149 is doing for your vocals here. The U47 might be too big, unless it’s a ballad without a ton of layers. Or a U47 lead vocal with the M149 on the layers. Contact Dallas at Upton. Tell him the sound you are after, so you can have it tailored. It is like buying a suit - it should be something that fits you. But frankly, I think the 149 sounds great with you. My tastes could be very different than yours, I would be much lighter on the compressor, regardless what you choose. It is like a great grand piano - I want to capture it as is as much as possible. This is my bias, and you have to be you.
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Post by Mister Chase on Apr 19, 2021 13:29:32 GMT -6
Man I wouldn't ever get rid of a great mic. If I had an M149 and my house was on fire I'd probably grab my arse with one hand and that mic with the other.
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Post by tkaitkai on Apr 19, 2021 14:12:09 GMT -6
If you want to hear what the V comp does, send me a raw file and I’ll run it through mine and send it back. As for mics, I might look at a 251 and hear what that does. I really like what the M149 is doing for your vocals here. The U47 might be too big, unless it’s a ballad without a ton of layers. Or a U47 lead vocal with the M149 on the layers. Thanks Vincent! I'll PM you a raw file in a bit. I'd definitely love to hear the V Comp in action! I know this might sound crazy, but sometimes I feel like the M149 is also too big in a way. I do like the way it sounds in solo, but I really struggle to get the right kind of upper midrange presence that I hear in so many modern pop recordings (including my own recordings done with a Lawson L251). Could also just be my voice, but it's more fun to blame the gear. ![;)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png) Contact Dallas at Upton. Tell him the sound you are after, so you can have it tailored. It is like buying a suit - it should be something that fits you. But frankly, I think the 149 sounds great with you. My tastes could be very different than yours, I would be much lighter on the compressor, regardless what you choose. It is like a great grand piano - I want to capture it as is as much as possible. This is my bias, and you have to be you. Hey, thanks so much for the feedback! I actually spoke to Dallas over the phone a few months back. An incredibly kind and knowledgeable guy. Left a great first impression and is definitely a reason I'm itching to try the Upton. Man I wouldn't ever get rid of a great mic. If I had an M149 and my house was on fire I'd probably grab my arse with one hand and that mic with the other. LOL. I absolutely feel the same way. But I also wouldn't mind swapping it out for something equally respectable, especially if I like the sound even more. I wouldn't let it go for a Warm/GAP/Peulso/AA or anything, but I would totally trade/sell to fund an Upton or a Bock or possibly the upcoming Heiserman.
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Post by chessparov on Apr 19, 2021 16:03:00 GMT -6
IMHO the M149 is one of "the matches", for your voice. Add don't sell... Chris
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